Vassal King?

Castles and kings, lords and ladies, many of us love to become lost in stories of medieval times. These stories are often filled with valiant feats and romantic ventures. During this period of time there were great kingdoms that were comprised of many “lesser” kingdoms. These lesser kingdoms were run by vassal kings. In the feudal system a vassal was “a person who was granted use of land, in return for rendering homage, fealty and usually military service or its equivalent to a lord or other superior; a feudal tenant.” (Dictionary.com) This person was often called the lord of his own little kingdom. He was a ruler and yet controlled by his superior.

Throughout history there is evidence of enemies attempting to set up vassal kings. The enemy conquers the land and then tells the leader that he will be in control. Although this leader may have some autonomy and find some personal benefits, he is at the bidding of the true power who oversees him. There may be an appearance of authority and power, but in reality he is little more than a slave. The true power and authority are in the hands of the one who has set him in this position.

In this position it is easy to become deceived that one truly has power and freedom. When a superior does not display an outward, daily presence, the appearance of authority can be misinterpreted as true authority. Yet always beneath the surface lie the required loyalty, honor and submission to the true authority who rules over this vassal king. Although the subordinate king may feel freedom to rule, he is never free of the reckoning with the true power.

The enemy of our soul continually attempts to set up vessel kingships. This began with Adam and Eve, when the serpent promised great things if they believed his word over the word of Almighty God and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The temptation was to believe his proclamation that they would be “like God” rather than trusting in God’s truth that they would “surely die.” (See Genesis 3) Although the serpent’s reasoning sounded as though it could bring freedom and elevate man to a greater level, the result was a great loss. Because Adam and Eve did not know who they truly were, they believed a lie and discovered that the hoped-for authority and knowledge was actually bondage.

In the time of Jesus this principle held true under the Roman Empire. Although Herod was king of Judah, he was subject to Caesar and could do nothing without Caesar’s approval. He and his people were also bound by taxes and honor to the Roman Emperor. And yet the religious leaders believed they walked in freedom.  “They answered Him, We are Abraham's offspring (descendants) and have never been in bondage to anybody. What do You mean by saying, You will be set free?” (John 8:33 AMP)

Today many people believe that they are truly in control of their own lives and destinies. Refusing to be bound by any moral codes, they believe that unrestrained sin is freedom. Unfortunately, this is a lie of Satan. These unrestrained lifestyles lead to problems and disillusionment. The end is the great loss of spiritual death. “For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP) The perceived freedom is an illusion.

Satan attempted to make Jesus a vassal king. “Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them. And he said to Him, These things, all taken together, I will give You, if You will prostrate Yourself before me and do homage and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9 AMP) Jesus answered with Scripture. “Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10 AMP) Jesus Christ knew exactly who He was and the role He played in God’s kingdom. He spoke truth and lived in real freedom.

This is also how we must respond to any lies of the enemy. True freedom comes by knowing who we are and living out the life that God has called us to. God has made us true kings. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 AMP) Any plan that is outside of God’s will, even though it looks as though it may promote us to something better, is actually bondage. Lasting freedom comes only in knowing and living in God’s truth. “If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32 AMP)

Do not fall prey to the lie of the enemy that you are the master of your own life. Bondage to Satan is only broken by submitting our lives to God and living in the true freedom that He offers. Lived in that freedom.